Vaginal Cancer

Treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors treat vaginal cancer using radiation, surgery and reconstructive surgery.

• Radiation therapy. Radiation may involve internal and external radiation depending on your situation. Your Mayo Clinic doctor may recommend:
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a three-dimensional form of radiation that conforms to the shape of your tumor.
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). IGRT imaging immediately before and during radiation therapy improves your treatment's accuracy and delivery.
• Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). Doctors use IORT to deliver a concentrated beam of radiation to tumors as they are located during surgery. IORT isn't appropriate for everyone.
• Brachytherapy. In brachytherapy, doctors place tiny radioactive devices into the vagina, which allows the use of high dosages of radiation. Brachytherapy can shorten the treatment time and reduce the need for hospitalization. Brachytherapy may involve placement of a cylinder-like device containing radioactive material in the vagina (intracavitary) or insertion of needles into the tumor through the area between the vulva and anus (interstitial).

• Surgery. For vaginal cancer caught early, doctors remove your tumor. The closeness of your bladder and rectum to your vagina makes surgery difficult when your vaginal cancer is more advanced, and your doctor may recommend radiation.

For vaginal cancer that recurs after radiation, your doctor may recommend additional radiation or removal of part or all of your vagina (vaginectomy). In some cases, your doctor will remove the cervix and uterus and possibly your bladder, rectum and part of your colon (exenteration). Your doctor tailors your surgery to your situation.

• Reconstructive surgery. A gynecologic oncologist and a plastic surgeon work to restore as much of your anatomy and function as possible. Your surgeon can provide a full range of reconstructive surgery procedures including:
• Rebuilding your vagina after extensive cancer treatment
• Using skin grafts to cover large scars resulting from radiation therapy or radical surgery for recurrent cancer in the vulva and groin
• Rebuilding vital organs, such as your urinary bladder, vagina or pelvic floor, that were removed to treat advanced cancer or were badly damaged during radiation therapy
• Reconstructing your pelvic floor to correct pelvic prolapse and urinary or fecal incontinence

Mayo Clinic doctors and staff spend time with you to discuss your concerns and expectations and review treatment and reconstruction options. Reconstructive surgery techniques at Mayo Clinic can produce cosmetically pleasing and functional results that can improve your quality of life.